Smile Design: Steps to a new and improved smile
At Montreal Smiles, your smile is our highest priority. We know that having a healthy, attractive smile is important for your overall health, well-being, and self-esteem. That's why Dr. Berbari and his staff work together to ensure that your visit is enjoyable and successful. Whatever state your teeth are currently in, Dr. Berbari can help you achieve the kind of smile you've always wanted.
Dr. Berbari can help improve your looks by changing the shape, position or color of your teeth. By enhancing your smile, you will feel transformed completely, leading you to a fuller and richer life.
All smiles are different and unique. This is why planning is very important in cosmetic dentistry. Each and every case must be customized. Dr. Berbari will listen to your needs. It is important to share with him your desires and wishes. Afterwards, Dr. Berbari will analyze your smile and will determine where and how the improvements are needed and what different options you may have.
Several steps are necessary on your way to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. From the elaboration, conception, preparation and finalization of this masterpiece, the following will help you understand better each of these steps toward your new and improved smile.
The preliminary consultation:
On the first visit, you establish a first contact with Dr. Berbari and the members of his team. Patient should be well informed and feel they are in trusting and caring hands.
Generally, most patients first want a global idea of the possible treatments, at hand the length of time to achieve it and an approximate cost of the treatments. If the patient chooses to go ahead with the proposed treatment, the next step is to see him for a complete examination.
Complete Examination
The main goal of this appointment is to gather all the information on the condition of your mouth. Many X-rays including a panoramic one will be taken. All the possible problems will be identified such as: cavities, gum problems or any other pathology.
It is fundamental to gather all of this information in order to prepare for you the proper treatment plan. Many factors must be taken in consideration such as your personal desires but also physical and physiological limitations.
The creation of a new smile is not solely based on your anterior teeth but also the posterior ones, your gums, lips and also of your general physical appearance. After a thorough analysis, Dr. Berbari will inform you of the different solutions available to transform your smile according to your taste and give you back a gorgeous smile
Once one or more treatments plans are establish, Dr. Berbari or a member of his team will inform you of the length of time and the longevity of each treatment. The patient will also be informed of the possibility of discomfort during the transition phase, of the possible risks associated with certain procedures, if compromises are necessary, warranty and cost. If you would like to see similar cases, before and after photos can be showed.
Then it is up to you to pick the proposition that suits you the best.
Case preparation:
Once you have chosen the treatment plan that is right for you, impressions of your teeth and various other measurements will be taken to prepare a customized cast mold and a wax-up. This will give you some idea of how the final teeth result will look. You can actually visualize the work before we start. The shape and the angulations of the teeth are carefully chosen based on your general appearance to give you an attractive and functional smile.
Health before beauty:
Sometimes other treatments are required to achieve a smile make over. Your mouth must be in good health and no potential risk of future infection present. If cavities need to be filled or if root canals, extractions or gum treatments are needed, they must all be completed prior going into the cosmetic phase.
Temporaries and impressions:
This is the day you start the real change. During this appointment, your natural teeth will be filed down about 1millimetre. An impression of the prepared teeth will then be taken with a rubbery paste to be sent to our laboratory.
Temporary crown or veneers will be made to cover and protect your natural teeth during this time. These temporaries angulations, shaped and sizes very similarly to the new porcelain teeth you will soon be having. They are the first sketch. Their design is based on the previously made wax up. If needed, some minor changes can still be made on the temporaries. When you are satisfied, an impression on their shape will be made and our laboratory technician will duplicate the shape and size to the porcelain teeth.
Final try-in and cementation
Finally, your porcelain teeth tried on and cemented. You can smile and bite into life with teeth worthy of a Hollywood star. Dr. Berbari and his team will give you information on how to maintain your new teeth and answer all of you questions. We will then see you for a follow up appointment in 6 months.
After Cosmetic reconstruction
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new teeth. Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. It takes several days for the ‘’brain” to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call us so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
It’s normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity. Your gums may also be sensitive for several days. Rinse three times a day with salt & water (1tsp. of salt in a cup of lukewarm water). Mild pain medication (Ibuprophen: Advil) should ease your discomfort during this period.
Let us know if you grind your teeth or engage in sports so we can make you a custom mouthguard.
Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing is a must. Regular cleaning appointments in our office are also critically important. We will use the appropriate cleaning abrasives and techniques for your specific cosmetic work.
If you have any problems or concerns, we always welcome your questions.